US Dept of Health and Human Services'
National Toxicology Program, 1997 (NTP TR
478):· clear evidence of carcinogenic activity
"Diethanolamine was selected for evaluation
because its large-scale production and
pattern of use indicate potential for
widespread human exposure."
NTP requested that the FDA require a warning
label on all formulations containing
cocamamide DEA

History:1979--FDA warned that 42% of all
cosmetics were found contaminated with
NDEA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine)
which is formed when DEA reacts with
nitrosating agents (may be through actual
addition of nitrite as a preservative,
through degradation of other ingredients or
by exposure to air)

1991--FDA found that 27 of 29 of
the products they tested were still
contaminated

No way of telling if NDEA has been
formed...so avoid all DEA, TEA, MEA--in
1996, the Cosmetics, Toiletries, and
Fragrance Association stated that "These
chemicals...should not be used as
ingredients in cosmetic products."